Modernizing Heroes III?

[Kalah]

Since we have not yet received the answers to our Q&A, I thought we could discuss something else while we wait. I was adding two and two together the other day (hard work, I tell ya), combining the following two facts:



1. The "hardcore" Might and Magic fans have a clear favourite amongst the Heroes games: <i>Heroes III</i>. In fact, they have on numerous occasions urged developers to bring back some of the features from this game. Some have been.

2. A short while ago, an announcement was made that one of the best RPGs in history, <i>Baldur's Gate</i>, will be <a href="/http://www.baldursgate.com/news/languag ... nhanced</a> - essentially and quite simply <i>recreated</i> as the same game with better graphics.



So I'm thinking: why not do the same thing here? Make <i>Heroes III Enhanced</i>?



<center><img src="/images/news/modernize.jpg"></center>

If you would like to take a look at the original page visit this link:
https://www.celestialheavens.com/1335658230

[Evernight]

Interesting thought, but I think HoMMIII's graphics have stood the test of time extremely well. I'd rather game developers work on recapturing the magic of that title in new ways than rehash a classic that, in my opinion, doesn't need it.

[jeff]

I loved H-III, but I have not been interested in it since H-IV, and an update would not change that. I am not going to start a 3 v 4 argument , but I would prefer an update/proper fixing of IV instead

[legendoferthia]

IMO, I think Heroes IV was the best! The graphics were nice, sharp, and fun. I personally liked heroes getting involved in combat. However, they should have made it so you can recruit all creatures. Who would pick a champion over an angel? Upgrades would be nice too!
Edited on Sat, Apr 28 2012, 21:43 by savetara

[ywhtptgtfo]

I'd want a modernized WoX so I can finally get a taste of the hardcore M&M games.

[GreatEmerald]

Exactly, HoMM3 doesn't really need any updates, it's already fine as it is. I'd rather have openHoMM3 instead (which is what VCMI is trying to accomplish).

Updated DOS RPG titles would definitely be interesting, however. MM1 barely had any graphics to speak of, and seeing it with some would be very nice.

[YoshMaster]

Yep, that would be awesome! Just update the storytelling a little bit and clean up littles things here an there but leave 95%+ like it is!

[Archer]

If any developer tries the project, they could enhance both Heroes III and IV. Heroes 3 is the next thing to a "perfect game", but a careful hand could add some contents to it. Adventure map objects, several interesting neutral units, battlefield scenes, a somewhat updated AI and other things, like maps and campaigns. Heroes IV has an unfinished air around it, so it really could use that enhancement. It is of course a good game, but it could have been better and deserves it.

[Archer]

VCMI looks to be an interesting project, I may even try it in the summer. I hope they can eventually complete their work. On the other hand, Heroes 4 really needs some kind of enhancement, at least a complete Equilibris 3.6...

[MMXAlamar]

Great idea!

[Avonu]

IMO only HIV and Ubisoft's games need enhanced versions. H3 has WoG and other mods and even without them is still playable and enjoyable.
H1 has already enhanced version - it's called H2, which graphics is still up to date and has a really great playability.

[ToweringAmishPlumber]

I would much rather see an updating/enhancement of Heroes IV.

[Campaigner]

While the graphics of M&M: Heroes III are bad and could really use an update, I think the gamesystem itself is broken for non-campaign maps. But then again, that goes for all M&M: Heroes games so not updating the gamesystem will not be enough.

[hellegennes]

@Avonu:



Acturally, H3 is an enhanced version of H2. H2 is a pure sequel to H1, not just an enhanced version. It plays differently and it has the most gameplay changes of any title to this day. H3 is hardly a sequel. It's rather a more content-improved version of H2 (music downplay aside), with slightly better graphics and even that is questionable.

[Spin]

I agree with what most have said here, Hereos III doesn't really need any enhancing. You could actually say the same with Baldur's Gate, although the problem with that game is there's just too many mods out there for anyone to decide what to do.



If they fixed a couple of heroes 4's major issues (e.g. adventure map AI), then it would totally revive the game as far as i'm concerned. It may also break the game!

[CloudRiderX]

I think a remake of Heroes 3 would be fun - I would probably buy it.



One thing to consider, though, is that older games not only have outdated graphics, but also outdated gameplay mechanics. Take Diablo 2 for example - so many people have played the Diablo 3 beta expecting Diablo 2 with better graphics, and many of them have been disappointed. Diablo 2, as amazing is it is, has many faulty mechanics and frameworks that Blizzard has hashed out and improved, and seeing that has made many D2 fans unhappy simply because it involves change.



I think there is a tension here, where if it was entirely the same except for the graphics, would it really be worth buying? On the other hand, if they updated the game mechanics to include good ideas from some of the more recent installments such as HoMM 4/5/6 or King's Bounty, the game could be more fun, but then it's not really the same game.

[sezerp]

H3 remake? That would be preorder for me.



@CloudRiderX Changing gameplay is something I would leave to 'true' sequels. OTOH it would be nice to see some new campaigns. There is a lot of material for them: 'Forge' version of Armageddon's Blade anyone ? The events predating the big blast like Kilgore's conquests could also make nice, epic story.
Edited on Mon, Apr 30 2012, 06:45 by sezerp

[ShadowLiberal]

I think heroes 3 does need a bit of enhancing, specifically a few things.

-Changes so it'll run fine on newer windows operating systems (it randomly crashes/closes itself at times on windows 7), I'd buy a new version of heroes 3 just for this.

-Add caravan functionality.

-Add the option to exclude some of my army from battle (but not to position them wherever you want, as that's part of tactics), or let tactics do this at a minimum.

-Make earlier versions of Heroes 3 have some of the later functionality of Heroes 3, like artifact set bonuses, and the extra misc artifact slot.

[GreatEmerald]

> -Changes so it'll run fine on newer windows operating systems (it randomly crashes/closes itself at times on windows 7), I'd buy a new version of heroes 3 just for this.

That would be the problem of the audio subsystem. It usually runs fine if you disable music... but then it's not fun.

[CloudRiderX]

Disable the music in Heroes III? I shudder at the thought...